Music Software Review: Ukulele Bundle by 8dio [VIDEO]

In the last couple of years, 8diohave released several libraries in what they call the Natural Acoustic Series, wherein they had sampled the steel string guitar, the mandolin, and the dobro, in Solo and Strummer variations. Their latest entry in that series is the Ukulele Bundle, consisting of The SoloUkuleleand The Ukulele Strummer. From the 8diowebsite, their description of this project:

“8Dio Ukulele Bundle contains both the Ukulele Solo and Ukulele Strummer – two instruments designed for each other. The Solo Ukulele contains over 2.200 samples and we recorded the Uku in great details, including hundreds of natural fret and release noises. In addition we also recorded natural strum samples, so you can play chords with natural true strum sounds. 8Dio Ukulele Solo comes with 15 core patches divided into Fingered, Thumbed and Morphed categories. The fingered category was recorded with dedicated four-finger position for realistic sound for advanced playing styles (ex. arppegiations) – whereas the thumbed category has a slightly softer sound, which gives the Ukulele a somewhat softer, warmer character. The morphed category contains the Ukulele mixed with other instruments (ex. Grand Piano, Tonal Percussion and other modified instruments designed to match the character of the Ukulele.

Ukulele Strummer is the follow-up to our Ukulele Solo library. The Ukulele Strummer contains over 4.734 samples spread across 13 different chord types and 13 common rhythm types. All the chords and rhythms can seamlessly be blended using our x-legato technology. The X-legato system allows you to combine any chord and rhythm at any given time giving you an infinite amount of combinations. In addition the Ukulele Strummer is a round-robin based strum library, so even if you trigger the same chord/rhythm multiple times – you will get natural subtle variation. The Ukulele Strummer also contains chords in perfect 5th – allowing you to shape virtually any chord by combining it with our Ukulele Solo library.”

The libraries are available for purchase and direct download exclusively over at the 8dio website.

Part 1: Ukulele Solo

Part 2: Ukulele Strummer

In the last couple of years, 8dio have released several libraries in what they call the Natural Acoustic Series, wherein they had sampled the steel string guitar, the mandolin, and the dobro, in Solo and Strummer variations. Their latest entry in that series is the Ukulele Bundle, consisting of The Solo Ukulele and The Ukulele Strummer. From the 8dio website, their description of this project: “8Dio Ukulele Bundle contains both the Ukulele Solo and Ukulele Strummer – two instruments designed for each other. The Solo Ukulele contains over 2.200 samples and we recorded the Uku in great details, including hundreds of natural fret and release noises. In addition we also recorded natural strum samples, so you can play chords with natural true strum sounds. 8Dio Ukulele Solo comes with 15 core patches divided into Fingered, Thumbed and Morphed categories. The fingered category was recorded with dedicated four-finger position for realistic sound for advanced playing styles (ex. arppegiations) – whereas the thumbed category has a slightly softer sound, which gives the Ukulele a somewhat softer, warmer character. The morphed category contains the Ukulele mixed with other instruments (ex. Grand Piano, Tonal Percussion and other modified instruments designed to match the character of the Ukulele. Ukulele Strummer is the follow-up to our Ukulele Solo library. The Ukulele Strummer contains over 4.734 samples spread across 13 different chord types and 13 common rhythm types. All the chords and rhythms can seamlessly be blended using our x-legato technology. The X-legato system allows you to combine any chord and rhythm at any given time giving you an infinite amount of combinations. In addition the Ukulele Strummer is a round-robin based strum library, so even if you trigger the same chord/rhythm multiple times – you will get natural subtle variation. The Ukulele Strummer also contains chords in perfect 5th – allowing you to shape virtually any chord by combining it with our Ukulele Solo library.” Meena Shamaly looks at both the Solo Ukulele and the Ukulele Strummer in this two part video review below. The Solo Ukulele and the Ukulele Strummer each sell for $99. The Ukulele Bundle sells for $149. The libraries are available for purchase and direct download exclusively over at the 8dio website. Part 1: Ukulele Solo

Part 2: Ukulele Strummer

Music Software Review: Ukulele Bundle by 8dio [VIDEO]

Music Software Review: Ukulele Bundle by 8dio [VIDEO]

2015-04-26

Meena Shamaly

Ukulele Bundle

Installation – 90%

Patches – 75%

Interface – 80%

Sound – 100%

Value – 80%

85

85%

85/100

While 8Dio’s Ukulele bundle might lack some features like true legato, there is no arguing with the excellent sound quality and detail that remains consistent with the rest of their catalogue. The Solo library sounds beautiful and goes beyond the realm of traditional ukulele sounds, while there is little on the market to rival the Strummer library and its features.

85

Written by: Meena Shamaly

Meena Shamaly is a composer, artist, multi-instrumentalist and performance poet based in Melbourne, Australia. His music covers a wide range of styles and sensibilities and often intersects with his poetry. He is part of international production house EON Sounds, working on various film, TV, video game, and production library projects.

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